Do United Kingdom passport holders need a visa to visit KE?
UK ordinary passport holders need a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival and no visa-free channel for British citizens. Apply online at etakenya.go.ke for roughly USD 32.50; it permits a tourist stay of up to 90 days. As of 2026, the United Kingdom is NOT on Kenya's list of eTA-exempt nationalities. Kenya replaced its traditional visa system with a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) in January 2024 and abolished visa-on-arrival. In May 2025 Kenya widened eTA exemptions to most African nationals and several previously visa-exempt states, but the UK was deliberately excluded, so British passport holders still must obtain an eTA. Every traveller, including infants, needs an individual approved eTA loaded before boarding; airlines may deny boarding without it. The eTA is applied for online at the official government portal etakenya.go.ke. The official fee is approximately USD 32.50 (card processing can add a small surcharge); it is single-entry, valid for travel for 90 days from issue, and authorises a tourist stay of up to 90 days. The Directorate of Immigration Services states applications are processed within 3 working days, and travellers are advised to apply at least 3 days, ideally a week, before departure. Kenya is in East Africa and is not part of the Schengen area, so Schengen 90/180 and ETIAS rules do not apply.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMSINGLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
United Kingdom (ILR)Living in United Kingdom as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→